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Whether you are involved in a motor vehicle collision or not, common sense tells us to make certain we obtain proper medical care when necessary. If you are not injured and don't require medical treatment following an accident, then don't go to the doctor just because you were involved in a wreck. We do not represent individuals who simply try to run up a bunch of medical bills in order to increase their personal injury claim. Advise your health care providers exactly what problems you are having. If your most serious injury is your shoulder, but you are also having knee pain, make certain that you tell your doctor about your knee as well, even if you think it will get better. If you wait for a year and never mention the knee pain that you experienced immediately after the wreck then, GUESS WHAT, the at-fault driver's insurance company will almost certainly argue that since you didn't complain of knee pain until one year post-accident that your knee injury was therefore not a result of the wreck. Consequently, it may be difficult for you to recover for your injury.

HOW DO I PAY FOR MY MEDICAL TREATMENT?

If you are involved in an accident and require medical treatment, how will you pay the healthcare providers? Some people may have many options, and others may only have one option. Options include:

1. Health insurance

2. Medical expense coverage (no-fault insurance on the policy for the car your riding in and/or coverage on your own auto policy)

3. Worker's compensation coverage

4. Auto insurance for the person that caused the wreck

5. Self-pay – you pay out of your pocket

6. IOU to the health care provider (i.e. no payment at the time of the treatment but you pay the doctor at settlement)

Normally, we recommend you allow your own health care plan to pay your medical bills. Frequently, your health plan will have negotiated with the hospital or medical group so that you are charged a lower rate for the treatment. Review your own automobile policy of insurance or the insurance policy for the car that you were riding in at the time of the wreck to determine if “medical expense” coverage exists. If so, you can use this coverage to pay at least a portion of your medical expenses. If you were working at the time of the incident, you may have a worker's compensation claim and coverage may be provided through your employer's workers' compensation insurance carrier. If there is no health insurance, no medical expense benefits, no worker's compensation, then, unfortunately, most individuals will be required to pay for medical treatment out of their pocket. Many healthcare providers will not agree to treat you unless you are able to pay at the time of treatment. The at-fault driver's car insurance carrier normally will NOT pay for any medical expenses unless you agree to sign a Release and fully and finally settle your claim.

If you need to discuss options about obtaining medical treatment, please do not hesitate to contact our office for a free consultation.

Schedule a free auto accident consultation with Attorney B. Patrick Agnew Esq!